THE road trip to Port Macquarie to play the undefeated Sharks was always going to be tough for the Wingham Tigers.
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Wingham were without Trent Green and Michael Rees for the game, who have been among their best for the season.
The visitors stunned Port Macquarie with an early try to Blake Sky, which was converted by Michael Bailey for a 6-0 lead.
But then in a ten minute period, the Sharks number nine scored three tries, each from dummy half, for the home team to lead 14-6 midway through the first half.
Adam Kerr was denied a try when it was called a double movement, but the Tigers held the Sharks to that score until the break.
Although Wingham had been bashed by their bigger and more experienced opponents, they fought on in the second half.
A try by the Sharks after ten minutes made the score 20-6.
Midway through the stanza, another try made the score 24-6, and then the floodgates opened.
Against a wounded Tigers outfit with no reserves left on the bench, the minor premiers scored four more tries to win 48-6.
Despite the score, coach Stewart Baker was proud of the Tigers' efforts.
(Blake Sky try, Michael Bailey goal)
Reserve grade
THE Wingham Reserve Grade team were also playing the competition leaders.
An intercept try by Garyn Burns, converted by Nick Beacham gave the Tigers an early 6-0 lead.
Soon after the scores were levelled at 6-6.
Midway through the half, Ben Gallagher collected a grubber kick from Justin Berry to score, and Nick Beacham added the extra points.
Ten minutes from the break, Brock Gallea scored, and Nick Beacham converted to extend the lead to 18-6.
Then Nick Beacham barged over from dummy half, and converted his own try for the Tigers to lead 24-6 at the break.
Port Macquarie had a lucky break early in the second half when a kick hit the posts and rebounded to a Sharks player to score.
A penalty goal to Nick Beacham made the score 26-12.
Then back-to-back tries by the home team reduced the deficit to 26-22 with 20 minutes remaining.
A late try to the Sharks gave them a narrow 28-26 victory.
(Garyn Burnes, Ben Gallagher, Brock Gallea, Nick Beacham tries, Nick Beacham 5 goals)
Under 18s
THE Wingham Tigers Under 18s were overwhelmed by the high flying Sharks losing 60-0 after trailing 34-0 at half time.
A neck injury to Nayden Moriaty in the final minute saw him transported by ambulance to hospital. Thankfully, the scans were clear, and the trip was precautionary.
League Tag
THE Wingham Ladies' League Tag trailed 14-0 at half time, but fell away in the second half to lose 42-0.
This week
THIS Saturday, August 1, is the final round of the Group 3 competition before the final series. Reserve Grade have already qualified in third position, while Under 18s and League Tag have missed out on the play-offs.
First Grade Tigers must beat Forster Tuncurry at the Wingham Sporting Complex, and will qualify in fourth position, with a home semi final the following Saturday. A loss would most probably see them miss the finals altogether.
We ask the Wingham community to come out to the Wingham Sporting Complex on Saturday and support your local rugby league team. League Tag starts at 11.30am, Under 18s at 12.30pm, Reserve Grade at 1.40pm, with First Grade kicking off at 3pm.
Also, there is a "Famous Duos" dress up night at the top pub from 6pm on Saturday night. Why not get dressed up early and come to the footy as Batman and Robin, or Bonnie and Clyde, or any other duo. Make it a fun day at the footy.